Upcoming Events, Trainings and Recognition

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Every school district is encouraged to nominate one exemplary elementary classroom teacher and one exemplary secondary classroom teacher for this prestigious award. 

By Jessica Dorsey, director, Kansas Volunteer Commission 

The Kansas Volunteer Commission is excited to announce the 2025 Civic Engagement Conference, to be held on Nov. 4-5 at Washburn University’s Memorial Union.

KSDE is hosting higher education program reviewer training in October with two virtual options.    

Higher education institutions must have approved programs for all areas for which they make licensing recommendations so these program reviews are vital to maintaining strong educator preparation in Kansas.   

Olathe USD 233 and Judge Robert J. Wonnell of the Kansas 10th Judicial Court in Olathe invite all Kansas third grade students to participate in a nationwide virtual live mock trial at 10:30 a.m., on Sept. 17, to celebrate Constitution Day. 

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) and instruction will be available for school transportation professionals Sept. 22-23, in Goddard. Attendance is required for both days. 

Join parents from across Kansas for this one-day conference in September of learning, connection and inspiration. Participants will spend the day connecting and learning from one another.  

The Kansas Local Interagency Coordinating Council Fall Retreat is a free, virtual opportunity appropriate for all early educators and families. This year’s retreat is titled, “Screen Time and Young Minds: What’s the Real Impact – And What Can We Do Instead?”  

By Danedri Herbert, Office of the Kansas Attorney General

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering hope, and promoting action to prevent suicide and support those affected by it. Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Kansas and across the United States. Every conversation, act of kindness, and connection can make a difference. Through awareness, education, and support, we can work together to save lives. 

The Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) provides evidence-based professional learning and technical assistance, grounded in the federal requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

As part of the KSDE partnership with Renaissance, districts can now schedule virtual sessions at no cost covering FastBridge topics of their choosing. These are one-hour sessions and must be held prior to December 31, 2025. These sessions will be open to other districts as well.  

September 

5: ESEA program meeting, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., The Foundry, 400 S.W. 33rd Street, in Topeka. Register here: https://ksdetasn.org/events/GqGgqw. Contact Twyla Sprouse, twyla.sprouse@ksde.gov, or (785) 296-6714, with questions.

5: KESA 2.0 information sessions (repeat of spring session information), in-person, Greenbush South, in Girard. Free and no registration is required. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions. 

8: KESA 2.0 virtual monthly update, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Join the meeting here. Contact Rue Huereca-Retana, Rue.Huereca-Retana@ksde.gov, with questions. 

9: Secondary transition webinar, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration required. Contact Stacie Martin, Stacie.Martin@ksde.gov, with questions.

9-10: Kansas State Board of Education monthly meeting, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka. Click here for the agenda and meeting materials.